1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

White streaks on dipstick after oil change?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by ncyrider, Jan 19, 2021.

  1. Jan 19, 2021 at 2:00 PM
    #1
    ncyrider

    ncyrider [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2019
    Member:
    #298595
    Messages:
    43
    Gender:
    Male
    Did an oil change on my 2017 v6 yesterday, and when checking the oil right after completion, there were white/milky-looking streaks in the oil on the dipstick, but only on one side of the dipstick- apparently the side that rubs against the tube's angle when pushing the dipstick down. Checked the oil again and same thing. I checked the oil by starting the engine, idle for around 2-3 minutes, then shut it off and check.
    If it makes any difference, I had the oil filler cap, dipstick, and drain bolt all removed for a couple hours, while I left the drain pan under the truck , did the oil filter, and went to work on another vehicle. It wasn't humid/moist or raining outside at all, so it's not like water got in the motor.
    I will check the oil again and see what happens. I haven't driven the truck yet since changing the oil, just moved it 4 feet.
    Pretty sure I've seen this happen on another vehicle before after changing oil, can't remember what it was. Why would there be white streaks in the oil, and is it a concern?
    For reference, used mobil1 extended performance 0w20, mobil1 m1c-251 extended performance filter.
     
  2. Jan 19, 2021 at 2:04 PM
    #2
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2017
    Member:
    #231055
    Messages:
    30,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    tony
    Lynnwood, WA
    Milky oil can happen in the winter with condensation from the motor cooling and short trips. A good 30min+ drive will burn off all the vapor.

    The other cause could be coolant getting into the oil.
     
  3. Jan 19, 2021 at 2:07 PM
    #3
    Bravo64

    Bravo64 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2020
    Member:
    #347927
    Messages:
    54
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Orlando, FL
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Off-Road
    Yeah, probably just a little condensation in the tube, or oil/water in the elbow bend.
    If all the oil that drained out look normal I wouldn't worry about it.
    If it drained out all milky in the pan then I agree coolant in the oil.
     
    Junkhead likes this.
  4. Jan 19, 2021 at 2:09 PM
    #4
    KVTaco

    KVTaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #270503
    Messages:
    371
    Most likely from short trips in cold weather. My oil catch can looks like it has coffee in it in the winter due to the mixing of the white with the oil.
     
  5. Jan 19, 2021 at 2:14 PM
    #5
    Midnight beauty

    Midnight beauty Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2020
    Member:
    #342283
    Messages:
    130
    Gender:
    Male
    White mountains AZ
    Vehicle:
    2020 midnight black Tacoma TRD Sport
    I agree with all above, probably condensation
     
  6. Jan 19, 2021 at 2:31 PM
    #6
    The hammer

    The hammer Who’s the Wrench?

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2016
    Member:
    #180475
    Messages:
    3,880
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '16 Tacoma SR5 4X4 DCLB TSS Pkg 17X8" BSW-Cooper DIscoverer AT3 4s P265/65/17
    Underworld Flex trifold, tinted, TRDPRO grill, TRDPRO shift knob, etc,etc
    I would make note of the level and run it a bit while you check the exhaust for any white smoke or if you smell anything sweet around the engine and If all is well, just keep an eye out by checking periodically.

    I doubt you have an issue its just best to err on the side of caution.

    Only other thing is I would recommend is to never leave the oil filler wide open, but put a shop towel with a rubber band while you drain the oil. You never know what may crawl down there.

    Adios,

    [​IMG]
     

Products Discussed in

To Top